Data users of all levels are invited to join the August quarterly IN-DUG meeting featuring Kevin Mickey, Director of Professional Development and Geospatial Technologies Education at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering at Indiana University Indianapolis. This meeting will provide valuable support and training for anyone working with data or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The meeting will be presented by Katharine Springer, Director of the Indiana State Data Center.

Register for the virtual meeting here. 

This meeting will be eligible for one LEU.

Kevin is the Director of Professional Development and Geospatial Technologies Education at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has more than three decades of experience in the design, management, and instruction of introductory thru advanced geospatial courses and education programs for a wide variety of practitioner communities as well as undergraduate and graduate academic audiences.

He is a recognized expert in the application of geospatial technologies and methods for assessing the social, economic, physical, and environmental impacts of natural hazards with over three decades of consulting and professional education experience for multiple U.S. federal agencies as well as many state and local government, private sector, academic, and nonprofit organizations.

Kevin is a Past President of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA), now Geospatial Professional Network. He is also the former chair of the Multihazard Mitigation Council (MMC) of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and a former member of the Indiana Geographic Information Council Board of Directors. He currently serves on the National Visiting Committee of the National GeoTech Center of Excellence.

Presentation Title: Building Resilient Communities: The Impact of GIS and Data Literacy Initiatives

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) empower us to harness data, tools, and methodologies to enhance and transform the communities we serve. This session will showcase the presenter’s journey in the GIS field, emphasizing pivotal moments and experiences that have shaped his career. It will demonstrate how GIS has been crucial in supporting and transforming Indiana communities through innovative applications in urban planning, public safety, public health, and more. Additionally, the session will explore educational opportunities for individuals to develop data literacy and GIS skills, highlighting how these competencies can drive positive change and sustainable development in local communities. This includes the new multi-university Indiana Geospatial Training Academy initiative and a free virtual data literacy workshop series offered by The Polis Center. Through personal anecdotes, real-world case studies, and insights into educational pathways, this presentation aims to inspire and inform attendees about the transformative power of GIS in fostering resilient and thriving communities.